Cian Lynch ready to follow in Carey's footsteps

By Peter Sweeney

Hurling is in Cian Lynch's blood.

His mother Valerie is a Carey from Patrickswell and her brother, Cian's uncle Ciarán, is one of the greatest hurlers that Limerick has ever produced.

Other uncles also played with Limerick and Patrickswell so it was almost inevitable that the 19-year-old would one day go on to play at the highest level.

He has two Munster minor medals in his collection, he made his senior debut in the League this year and at the weekend he is expected to make his first Munster Championship appearance against Clare in Semple Stadium.

"It was a dream growing up to wear the Limerick jersey," said Lynch, who has just completed his first year studying arts in Mary Immaculate College Limerick. "I looked up to the uncles and I always wanted to be like them. I got the opportunity at minor and U21s and hopefully some day I'll get the call on to the pitch (in Championship) at senior."

Lynch's father Seán is from over the border in the Tipperary town of Loughmore, though he is Limerick through-and-through.

Cian was born in 1996, the last time Limerick made a senior All-Ireland final with his uncle Ciarán an integral part of the team, and he recounts a funny story that his mother often tells him about the epic Munster semi-final against then Liam MacCarthy Cup holders Clare that summer.

"Back in '96, the mother always tells a great story, Ciarán got a point against Clare to win the match," he said. "I was only born in '96 and I was on her breast and she threw me up. She forgot to catch me! I don't remember that!

"I have watched it over and over again. Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh's commentary makes it. It's brilliant!" he laughs.

"I was always watching the uncles play and aspiring to get up to wear the green jersey and follow in their footsteps."

"I remember in 2003, the last time we (Patrickswell) won the county final, I was mascot and another uncle was captain. That was a treat. That was Paul Carey and he would have won it with Kevin and Ciaran - a few of them on the team," explained Lynch. "It was a treat for me; these were my role models and my uncles.

Cian Lynch, second from left, at the launch of the 2015 Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21 Hurling Championship

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"Kevin, now, would have been most influential. He used to take me to matches, take me out the back for a puck around. He'd be giving me advice and being young you'd take it on board and remember it. They have been very good and even before big matches Ciaran would send a text saying the best of luck and stay focused."

Lynch was a talented soccer player in his younger days and several of his former team mates have gone on to take up professional contracts in England.

Jack Byrne, a friend of his from their time on the St Kevin's team in Dublin, has broken into the Manchester City first team squad and is tipped as a future Premiership star.

Lynch was offered Ireland Under-17 trials in 2013, but turned them down because they came just a week before the Munster Minor Hurling Championship semi-final, which Limerick won.

"I went to a few Ireland trials," said Lynch, who was speaking at the launch of the All-Ireland U21 Hurling Championship . "It was in competition with the hurling; we had Munster final one week, trials the other week so I could only go to one of them.

"So I had to sacrifice the soccer. That was the year before last year. If I'd gone to those trials you never know but I kind of drew the line then. That was the decision made."

Lynch is known for the skinny red ponytail that hangs out of the side of his head, though he jokes that it might be time to cut it off.

"I'd say that will be coming off soon," he said. "I've had it two years now, I'd say. I don't know how someone hasn't pulled it off yet!"

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Clare v Limerick, Munster SHC Quarter-Final, Thurles, Sunday, May 24, 4pm